European Apostolic Congress on Mercy opens in Rome

(Vatican Radio) Cardinal Christoph Schonborn, Archbishop of Vienna, says mercy is always here and now and is to be directed to all those who are suffering. His remarks came during a speech opening the 4-day European Apostolic Congress on Mercy in Rome. On Saturday (April 2nd), participants at the Congress will take part with Pope Francis in a Prayer Vigil in St Peter's Square for those who are devoted to the spirituality of Divine Mercy.  The following day, the participants will also attend the Divine Mercy Sunday Mass in the Square celebrated by the Pope. The gatherings are some of the highlights of the ongoing Jubilee Year of Mercy.  

In his address at the Congress, Cardinal Schonborn reflected on the difference between human and divine mercy and how so many people have hearts of stone or else show false mercy when they wish to get rid of a problem. By contrast, God’s mercy and compassion are inexhaustible, he declared.